1984 Ferrari 512 BBi

Cars that only a handful rolled off the production line are always a hot commodity when they go under the auction hammer and that’s why excitement is high surrounding this breathtaking 1984 Ferrari 512 BBi which is going up for sale with RM Sotheby’s as part of their Icons of Excellence & Haute Luxury Auction. This glorious looking steed is positively overflowing with old school cool and the fact it is one of just 1007 made makes it all the more alluring – particularly amongst classic car aficionados.

Expertly refinished in the original factory color combination, this 1984 Ferrari 512 BBi truly is a sight to behold and it has been consistently maintained and restored, including 2020-21 attention from GTO Engineering. With just 20,354 miles on the clock, this Italian beauty has been used sparingly over the last three and half decades and it is presented in extraordinary condition which means the lucky bidder when the gavel goes down will be treated to a thing of sheer decadence and luxury that will likely take pride of place in their garage.

ITALIAN STALLION

This stunningly presented 512 BBi claims a life of dutiful care and limited use by a handful of owners. It is also incredibly well-documented – the Ferrari was ordered new in June 1983 by Donald Medalie, but his order was cancelled and transferred to Thomas Shelton, the principal of Shelton Ferrari in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Copies of original Ferrari order sheets indicate the car was optioned with a Pioneer radio and instruments in miles, while it was cosmetically finished in black paint over a beige interior. Reportedly delivered in Italy to Mr. Shelton, the 512 was exported from Rotterdam in February 1984 and arrived in Florida ten days later.

In October 2009 this fantastic 1984 Ferrari 512 BBi from RM Sotheby’s was sold to a respected enthusiast based in Southern California who kept possession of it for at least another 12 years. The BBi was consistently serviced and maintained as needed, which included several bouts of work at Cavallo Motorsports in Carlsbad, California, and GTO Engineering in Los Angeles, who invoiced $12,000 worth of work in July 2020. Just as significantly, the owner commissioned a bare-metal repaint in the original colour in 2015 that cost $35,000, and a restoration of the interior in July 2016 that cost an additional $12,000.

This Ferrari has lived a pretty charmed life of only minimal driving use, reported to have 15,700 miles on the odometer in April 1993, which has steadily accrued to a reading of 20,354 miles at time of this auction from RM Sotheby’s. Accompanied by a toolkit and owner’s manual, and documented with copies of Ferrari order invoices, export paperwork, federalization agreement, EPA recognition, and service invoices through several ownerships, this impeccably-kept BBi presents superbly with its striking refinish and reupholstery in the original factory colour combination. Equally well-sorted in mechanical respects, the berlinetta boxer would make an outstanding purchase for any Ferrari aficionado, and is ideal for presentation at marque events or enjoyment on the open road, resounding with the singular qualities of Maranello’s legendary flat-12 engine.

Leo Davie